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Magic Flavor Dust

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Last updated on August 5th, 2020 at 11:19 pm

You can speed up dinner prep exponentially by keeping a batch of our pre-mixed seasonings on hand. You’ll save money, too!

We use this “house” seasoning on practically everything but dessert! While cooking, sprinkle it on sautéed veggies, meat, soups, and dried beans. It adds so much flavor to everything, and you only have to reach for one jar, instead of 4! It is Magic!

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5 from 1 vote

Magic Flavor Dust

Use this basic seasoning to easily add lots of flavor to meats, veggies, and dips. It is Magic!
Prep Time5 minutes
Course: Seasoning
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, No Fillers, Seasoning
Author: Holly

Equipment

  • Funnel
  • Empty spice container

Ingredients

  • 2 parts garlic powder
  • 2 parts onion powder
  • 1 part salt
  • 1 part ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Measure all parts through a funnel and into empty spice container.
  • Close lid and shake thoroughly.
  • Use to season meats, veggies, sauces, soups, and dips.

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Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

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Last updated on April 3rd, 2021 at 12:14 pm

Potatoes don’t have to be boring. With just a few simple ingredients and an Instant Pot, you’ll have a mouth-watering side dish!

Better make a big batch, they’ll go fast!

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Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes become extraordinary with the addition of bacon and shredded cheddar cheese!
Prep Time10 minutes
Pressure Cooking Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Dinner, Gluten-free
Servings: 8
Calories: 294kcal
Author: Holly

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker
  • Potato Masher
  • Cheese Shredder
  • Measuring Cup

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes I prefer red potatoes, but any kind will work.
  • 1½ teaspoons Magic Flavor Dust https://thecookingfamily.com/magic-flavor-dust/
  • 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon 1 pound of bacon, cooked yields about 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 4 ounces equals about 1 cup of shredded cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1-2 green onions, finely chopped optional, but recommended

Instructions

Cook the Potatoes in the Instant Pot

  • Place potatoes in the Instant Pot insert.
  • Add 1 cup of water.
  • After checking the silicon ring, close lid.
  • Make sure the valve is set to [Sealing].
  • Select the [Pressure Cook] or [Manual] program.
  • Make sure pressure level is set to [High] pressure.
  • Adjust pressure cooking time to 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the individual potatoes.

Make the Mashed Potatoes

  • Allow potatoes to Natural Release for 3-5 minutes.
  • Release any remaining pressure from the pot and open the lid facing away from you, avoiding hot steam reaching your face.
  • Sprinkle Magic Flavor Dust over the potatoes and mash with potato masher. No need to drain the cooking liquid, as it will all be absorbed by the potatoes.
  • Add bacon and stir while mashing more.
  • Add cheddar cheese and incorporate into potatoes.
  • Mix in sour cream.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning by adding additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 545mg | Potassium: 770mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 336IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 1mg

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Rosemary Garlic Chicken

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Chicken doesn’t have to be boring. These simple herbs and seasonings will add delicious flavor to dinner!

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5 from 1 vote

Rosemary Garlic Chicken

Savory herbs–Rosemary and Garlic–come together to make ordinary chicken extraordinary!
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Dairy-free, Dinner, Gluten-free, Keto, Paleo, THM-S
Servings: 8
Calories: 257kcal
Author: Holly

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker
  • Oven Broiler or CrispLid for Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 6-8 Chicken Thighs I prefer bone-in, skin-on.
  • 3 sprigs Rosemary
  • 12 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Magic Flavor Dust

Instructions

  • Place Chicken Thighs in bottom of pressure cooker insert.
  • Smash garlic cloves with meat mallet. Peel and break into pieces.
  • Season with Magic Flavor Dust, rosemary, and garlic pieces.
  • Add 1 cup of water to pressure cooker insert.
  • Close lid of Instant Pot and make sure pressure release valve is set to [Sealing].
  • Set pressure cooker to cook on Pressure Cook mode at High Pressure.
  • Adust pressure cooking time to 12-15 minutes by pressing the [+] or [-] buttons. Choose time based on size of chicken pieces and also whether the meat is frozen. More time for larger pieces or pieces that are frozen.
  • Press [Start] or allow pressure cooker to start on its own, depending on your model.
  • When pressure cooking is finished, allow pot to Natural Release for at least 5 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.

Notes

See recipe for Magic Flavor Dust.

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

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Ginger Cranberry Kale Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

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Last updated on April 5th, 2022 at 08:49 am

Kale salad. Blah. Add some pumpkin seeds, cranberries, ginger, lemon, and honey, and you’ve got an exciting blend of flavor, sweetness, and spice!

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5 from 1 vote

Ginger Cranberry Kale Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

Sweet and Spicy Ginger with Tart Dried Cranberries come together to make a zingy delicious salad!
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American, Holiday, Mediterranean
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Gluten-free, Holiday, Wellness
Servings: 6
Calories: 145kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $3

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Jelly jar with lid
  • Large bowl

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 bunch fresh kale chopped
  • ¼ cup crystallized ginger chopped fine
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries chopped fine
  • ¼ cup pepitas or green pumpkin seeds

Honey Lemon Dressing

  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Mix kale, ginger, cranberries, and pepitas together in a large bowl.
  • In a half-pint jar, mix honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Place lid on top and shake well.
  • Pour dressing all over kale salad mixture and toss together thoroughly with tongs.
  • Serve immediately or refigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2165IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

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Fresh Mushroom and Beef Stroganoff in the Instant Pot

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Fresh Mushroom and Beef Stroganoff in the Instant Pot

Rich and Creamy Beef Stroganoff is the perfect comfort food!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Pressure Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time46 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Comfort Food, Gluten-free options, Instant Pot
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 562kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $10

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef ground turkey, chicken, or other ground meat optional
  • 1 cup onion, diced 1 medium onion equals about 1 cup diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced can use frozen, jarred, or powdered garlic
  • 1 pound fresh button mushrooms, sliced
  • 16 ounces egg noodles Many noodles come in a 17.6 oz bag, which is also fine.
  • 1 quart low sodium chicken broth
  • 6 ounces dry vermouth or cream sherry, optional
  • 4 Tablespoons butter

To be added after pressure cooking

  • 1 ½ cups sour cream
  • ¼ cup dry vermouth or cream sherry, optional

Instructions

  • Turn Instant Pot on [Sauté]. Place ground beef in and break it up while browning it.
  • Add onion and salt, and stir together well.
  • Sprinkle in nutmeg and caraway seeds. Stir together, then add garlic.
  • Toss mushrooms in and stir together, sauteeing lightly.
  • Add noodles in the pot. Pour broth and vermouth over all. Place butter on top.
  • Place lid on Instant Pot and close.
  • Check to make sure Steam Release Valve is set to [Sealing].
  • Choose the [Pressure Cook] program.
  • Check to make sure Pressure Level is set to [High Pressure].
  • Consult instructions on package of noodles for recommended cook time. Cut the lowest time in half and round odd numbers down. This is the amount of time you will set the Instant Pot to cook under pressure. For example, if noodle package says 11-13 minutes, you would divide 11 in half, which gives you 5.5, and round down to a 5-minute pressure cook time.
    Press the [+] or [-] buttons to adjust the pressure cook time to 5 minutes.
  • When Instant Pot is finished cooking, Quick Release the pressure. Stay nearby while it is releasing and be prepared to quickly close the valve if any starchy liquid spews out. Do not panic or move the Instant Pot while it is under pressure.
  • When all the pressure has been released from the Instant Pot, the float valve will drop, indicating that it is safe to open the pot. Open the pot. Add sour cream and vermouth, if desired. Stir together well to incorporate all ingredients. Taste for seasoning.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to use or omit the wine in this dish or switch it out with a cooking sherry or red wine.
The recipe is gluten-free, except for the noodles, so use gluten-free noodles, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, potatoes, rice, or any other fodder for a great sauce instead of the regular egg noodles.

Nutrition

Calories: 562kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 465mg | Potassium: 672mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 479IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 3mg

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Kickin’ Cajun Seasoning

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Kickin’ Cajun Seasoning

Make this Cajun Seasoning at home without all the chemicals and fillers in pre-made versions.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: Beans & Rice, Cajun
Keyword: Dairy-free, Gluten-free, No Fillers, Seasoning
Author: Holly

Equipment

  • Funnel
  • Empty spice container
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 part onion powder
  • 1 part black pepper
  • 1 part dried leaf oregano
  • 1 part dried thyme
  • 1/2-1 part cayenne pepper Be careful measuring this ingredient. An adult should handle this one.
  • 2 parts garlic powder
  • 2 parts salt
  • 2½ parts paprika

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients together in an empty spice bottle.
  • Place the lid on tightly and shake to mix well.

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